If you think your mis sold car finance agreement failed to treat you fairly, the usual route is to complain to the lender or broker first and, if you are unhappy with the reply, take it to the Financial Ombudsman Service. You can normally do this yourself, for free. Searches such as "mis sold car finance beepbeepclaims com" show how many people look for a claims firm first, but you are not obliged to use one.
Part of Write-Off & Finance Checks. Start with the main guide: Check If a Car Has Been Written Off
Updated October 2026 · Independent information, not legal advice
The FCA has been looking at how commission was handled on motor finance, and the position has moved several times. Rather than rely on rumour, the following explains what mis-selling can mean, what to check in your paperwork, how a complaint works and how to avoid paying for help you may not need. Always confirm the current position on the FCA and Financial Ombudsman Service websites.
What Mis-Sold Car Finance Means
Car finance is mis-sold when the lender or broker did not give you the information or treatment you were entitled to, and you ended up worse off. It is a description of how the sale was handled, not of the car itself.
Different from a faulty car
A car that breaks down is a product problem. Mis-selling is about the agreement, the commission or the way it was explained. Some cases involve both.
Why it is being talked about
The focus has been on commission paid by lenders to brokers and dealers, and whether customers were told. Outcomes depend on individual facts, so no one can promise a result.
Common signs that a sale may deserve a second look:
- You were never told the broker earned commission
- You were offered only one lender, with no comparison
- The interest rate seemed high compared with your credit standing
- You felt rushed at the dealership desk
- Terms such as balloon payment or mileage charges were glossed over
- You were told an add-on was compulsory
How Motor Finance Commission Works
When a dealer arranges motor finance, the lender may pay the dealer or broker a commission for introducing the customer. That payment is usually built into the deal rather than shown as a separate line.
Types of arrangement
Commission could be a flat fee or linked to the interest rate that the customer was charged. The second type is where most concerns have arisen.
What customers often did not see
Many buyers were unaware that commission existed or that the broker's reward could rise with the rate. Whether that amounted to unfair treatment is the question regulators and courts have been examining.
Who is who in the deal
- The customer borrows the money
- The dealer or broker arranges the agreement
- The lender provides the funds and owns or secures the car
- The regulator sets the rules and supervises firms
Discretionary Commission Arrangements Explained
A discretionary commission arrangement, often shortened to DCA, let the broker or dealer influence the interest rate within a range set by the lender. A higher rate could mean higher commission for the broker.
Why DCA became a flashpoint
Because the broker had an incentive to raise the rate, critics said customers could pay more than necessary without knowing why.
What changed
The FCA later stopped lenders using this type of arrangement. Agreements made before that change are the ones that have attracted most attention. Check the FCA's pages for the current detail.
DCA Claims And What People Mean By Them
People use "dca claims" to describe complaints that an agreement involved a discretionary commission arrangement. A dca car finance claim is simply a complaint to the lender about that. There is nothing mysterious or separate about the process. A dca finance claim, a car commission claim and a complaint about a discretionary commission arrangement are usually the same thing described in different words.
A complaint, not a lawsuit
Most people begin with a written complaint, which is free. You do not need to go to court to begin.
The wording on your paperwork
Your agreement may not say "DCA". Ask the lender in writing what commission arrangement applied to your deal.
Find My DCA Claim: Where To Start
If you are typing find my dca claim into a search engine, the practical answer is that you start with your own records. There is no central database where an individual claim sits waiting for you.
- Locate your agreement and any pre-contract documents
- Note the lender's name, which may differ from the dealer
- Write down the dates you took out and ended the finance
- Find emails or letters about commission
Ask the lender directly
A lender can confirm whether your agreement is in scope of any review. Put the request in writing.
Car Finance Claims Update: Why Positions Keep Changing
Anyone searching for a car finance claims update or a car finance scandal update soon notices that stories change. Court decisions, regulator statements and lender announcements have all affected what people expect.
Treat dated news with caution
An article that was right months ago may be out of date now. Check the date and go back to the FCA or Financial Ombudsman Service for the latest.
Do not rush
Missing a hyped deadline is rarely a disaster, but acting on bad information can be. Take time to read the current guidance.
The UK Car Finance Redress Scheme
Regulators have discussed a uk car finance redress scheme in which lenders would review past agreements and pay compensation where customers were treated unfairly. The details, eligibility and timing have been subject to consultation and change, so car finance mis selling compensation eligibility should always be checked against current FCA statements.
What a scheme would aim to do
The idea is to handle many cases in a consistent way rather than one complaint at a time. The exact rules are set by the FCA, not by claims companies.
Check the current position
Because this evolves, read the FCA's latest statement before assuming anything about eligibility or timescales.
Car Finance Redress Scheme: Who Might Be Covered
A car finance redress scheme would normally be limited to certain types of agreement and a certain period. You may be covered if you took out motor finance through a dealer, but a final decision rests with the scheme's rules.
Typical eligibility questions
The scheme's rules may depend on when you took out the finance, the type of agreement and whether commission was disclosed.
What to do meanwhile
Collect your paperwork and keep an eye on official announcements, rather than paying to be told something already public.
Car Finance Compensation Scheme Or Redress: Is There A Difference
People say car finance compensation scheme when they mean any arrangement for paying money back. Technically, a redress scheme run under FCA rules differs from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, which deals with failed firms.
Why the wording matters
If a site promises a "compensation scheme" for your car, ask who runs it and under what authority.
Sticking to official names
Look for FCA and Financial Ombudsman Service. Other names may belong to private businesses.
Car Finance Update: Reading The Latest News Sensibly
A general car finance update might mention court rulings, FCA consultations, lender provisions or new rules. Each affects different people.
Four questions to ask about any news
- Who said it, and is it official?
- Does it apply to my type of agreement?
- Does it apply to when I took the finance out?
- Has it changed since it was published?
Beware of urgency
Headlines created to make you click often oversimplify. The regulator's own wording is safer.
Mis Sold Car Finance Update: What Has Usually Been Reported
A mis sold car finance update typically covers a court decision, regulator consultation or redress announcement. The same stories appear under labels such as car finance scandal update, car finance mis selling update, dca update or car commission claim update, and all of them need the same caution about dates. The safest summary at the time of writing is that decisions and proposals have developed in stages and that the final position needs checking.
What not to assume
Do not assume that every agreement will lead to payment, or that every customer was mis-sold.
Where to confirm
The FCA website and the Financial Ombudsman Service explain the present process and eligibility.
UK Car Finance Mis Selling: The Main Complaints
Complaints about uk car finance mis selling fall into recurring themes. Your experience may match one or more.
- Commission that was not disclosed or was misleadingly described
- Higher interest than you might otherwise have received
- Affordability not properly assessed
- Terms of PCP or hire purchase poorly explained
- Add-on products pushed into the agreement
Be specific
A complaint that explains what went wrong, in your words, usually reads better than a generic template.
Types Of Car Finance You Might Have Had
Knowing your agreement type helps you read your paperwork and any scheme rules.
Hire purchase
Under hire purchase, you pay in instalments and normally become the owner after the final payment. The lender owns the car until then.
PCP
A PCP has lower regular payments and a final optional payment if you want to keep the car. You can usually hand the car back, subject to conditions.
Conditional sale and personal loan
A conditional sale passes ownership once the price is paid, and a personal loan gives you the money to buy the car outright.
Things to note on any agreement type:
- The total amount payable, not just the monthly figure
- The term in months and whether it was extended
- Any deposit or part-exchange credited
- Whether you had a right to withdraw in the early days
| Type | Who owns the car at the end? | Final step | Worth checking in a complaint |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP | You, after the last payment | Usually none | Commission and affordability |
| PCP | You, only if you pay the final amount | Pay, return or part-exchange | Clarity about the final option |
| Personal loan | You from the start | None | Less often part of these claims |
| Lease | The lessor | Return the car | Usually a different kind of complaint |
Car Finance HP Claims
Car finance hp claims relate to hire purchase agreements. They can raise the same questions about commission and rate-setting as other agreement types.
HP and ownership
Because the lender owns the car until the end, it has certain rights. That does not stop you complaining.
Settling early
If you paid off an HP agreement early, you may still have grounds to complain about how it was sold. Keep the settlement letter.
Missold PCP Claim: What To Consider
A missold pcp claim is a complaint that a personal contract purchase was sold unfairly. The details might involve commission, affordability, or how the final payment and mileage limits were explained.
Key documents
Pre-contract information, the agreement itself, and statements showing payments and charges.
Handing the car back
If you handed the car back, you can still complain. The fact that the agreement ended does not normally remove your right to ask.
Mis Sold PCP Compensation And PCP Claims Update
People asking about mis sold pcp compensation usually want to know what might be paid and when. Amounts depend on the facts and any scheme rules, so nobody can give a dependable number in advance.
Following a PCP claims update
Any pcp claims update should be checked against the lender's correspondence and official FCA statements.
Managing expectations
Compensation, if it is paid, tends to reflect the difference between what you paid and what you might have paid, plus interest in some cases. Check current rules for precise methods.
Car Finance Claim Checker: Are Online Tools Reliable
A car finance claim checker is a web form that asks you a few questions and says whether you might have a claim. Some are helpful, but many are designed to collect your details.
What they can and cannot do
They cannot know your lender's records or guarantee any outcome. At best they give a rough steer.
Protecting what you share
Think about what you are sharing and who will receive it. Read the privacy notice before submitting anything.
Car Finance Check And Car Finance Claims Check: Four Different Things
A car finance check can mean several things, and a car finance claims check is only one of them.
- Checking whether a car has outstanding finance on it
- Checking whether your past agreement may have been mis-sold
- Checking your eligibility before applying for new finance
- Checking your credit file or settlement figure
Know which you need
For a used car purchase, see how to check finance on a car. For a past agreement, use your own records and the official complaint route.
Claiming Directly: It Is Free
You can make a complaint yourself without a claims company. The lender must handle it, and if you are dissatisfied, the Financial Ombudsman Service considers disputes without charging consumers.
What you need
Your name, agreement details, what went wrong and what outcome you want.
Free templates
Official bodies and consumer charities publish free guidance and template letters. No payment is needed to use them.
Benefits of handling it yourself:
- You keep all of any redress that is awarded
- You control who sees your personal data
- You learn exactly what was said and decided
- You can escalate when you choose
| Route | Who handles it | Typical cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct to lender | The lender | Free | Start here |
| Ombudsman | Financial Ombudsman Service | Free | After lender reply or delay |
| Claims firm | A third party | Usually a share of any award | Check terms carefully |
| Solicitor | A law firm | Varies | Ask for terms in writing |
How To Complain To Your Lender
Start with the company that provided the finance, which is not always the dealer you dealt with. The lender's name appears on your agreement.
- Find your agreement and any settlement letters.
- Write a clear complaint and state what you think went wrong.
- Ask for a copy of any commission details and the agreement file.
- Send it by email or post and keep proof.
- Note the date you sent it.
What a good complaint includes
Keep it factual and polite. Mention the agreement number, the date and the outcome you are seeking.
Points to state in your letter
- Your full name and contact details
- The agreement number and lender name
- The date you took out the finance
- A short, factual description of what went wrong
- The outcome you are asking for, such as a review of commission
- A request for a final response in writing
What The Lender Must Do With Your Complaint
Regulated firms must have a complaints process and normally give a final response within a set period, commonly around eight weeks. Check the FCA rules for the present time limits.
Acknowledgement and updates
You should receive an acknowledgement and, if the lender needs longer, an explanation.
What a final response should contain
It should say whether your complaint is upheld, what redress is offered if any and how to go to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Going To The Financial Ombudsman Service
If you are unhappy with the final response, or the lender does not reply in time, you can refer the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service. It is an independent body, free to consumers.
Time limits
There are usually time limits for referral, often counted from the lender's final response. Check its website promptly so you do not miss them.
What it looks at
It considers the facts, the paperwork and what is fair. Its decision may be binding on the lender if you accept it.
Finding The Right Paperwork
Good records make a complaint stronger. Many lenders will provide copies on request.
- The signed finance agreement
- Pre-contract credit information
- Statements showing payments
- Emails or messages from the dealer
- Settlement or cancellation letters
- Proof of identity and address
If you have lost something
Ask the lender for copies. Under data-protection rules you can request the information held about you.
Checking Your Vehicle Details For The Complaint
Use the registration number to identify the car exactly. The free MOT history checker shows make, model, colour and fuel, which can help confirm you are talking about the right vehicle.
What it does not show
It does not show finance, ownership or agreement details. Those come from your own documents and your lender.
A note on old cars
If the car has long gone and you need help locating it, see how to find your old car.
Reading Your Agreement: Clauses Worth A Look
You do not need to be a lawyer, but certain parts tell you a lot.
- The interest rate and total amount payable
- Any fees for early settlement
- Mileage limits and charges on a PCP
- Optional final payment amount and conditions
- Add-on products included in the agreement
Commission disclosure
Look for wording about commission or fees paid to the broker. Its presence or absence is useful.
Affordability And Responsible Lending
Lenders are expected to check that credit is affordable. A complaint may be strengthened if you believe this did not happen properly for you.
Signs affordability was overlooked
You were offered more than you could comfortably repay, or your circumstances were not asked about.
Evidence
Bank statements from the time, income details and messages with the dealer can help.
Add-On Products Bundled With Finance
Some agreements included products such as GAP, warranty or paint protection. If these were not explained, or you were led to think they were required, you can raise it.
Optional means optional
Extras should normally be presented as optional. Check your agreement to see how they were shown.
Refunds
The lender or seller may have to consider refunds if the product was unsuitable. Ask in writing.
Mis-Selling Versus A Faulty Car
Mixing the two can confuse a complaint. A faulty car involves consumer rights against the seller. Mis-selling is about how finance was arranged.
Both can apply
On regulated finance, the lender can also be liable for certain problems with the car in some situations. Take advice on your facts.
Keep the complaints separate
Explain each issue clearly so each can be dealt with properly.
Finance On A Written-Off Car
Finance and insurance write-off status are separate, but they interact. If a financed car is written off, the insurer, owner and lender usually settle the outstanding balance between them.
Category labels and buyers
If you are buying a used car, a vehicle history check (the note on HPI clear explains what a clear result means) shows outstanding finance and any category such as Category S or Category N. Our note on how to check if a car has been written off explains more.
Why it matters here
Insurers record total-loss vehicles on the MIAFTR register, the Motor Insurance Anti-Fraud and Theft Register. Older labels such as Category A and Category B mean the car should not be returned to the road, while a former Category D marker refers to the old system replaced by Category S and N. A car with a salvage history (see what Category D car meaning covers for older records) and a finance marker may need both issues resolved. A history of structural damage also affects value.
Buying A Used Car With Finance Attached
A car may still be under hire purchase or a conditional sale when it is sold privately. The lender may still own it, which is a risk for the buyer.
Check before paying
Run a finance check on the registration and the VIN. Our explainer on the car finance checker covers what such checks include.
If a marker appears
Ask the seller for a settlement letter and do not buy until the lender confirms the balance is cleared.
Checking Eligibility For New Finance
If your aim is to borrow, rather than complain, eligibility checks are different. A soft search can indicate your chances without marking your credit file.
Understanding the options
The basics are explained in our overview of the car finance eligibility checker.
Do not confuse the two
An eligibility check looks at your suitability for a new loan. It is not a check on an old agreement.
Best Car Finance Claim Company: Why There Is No Simple Answer
People search for a best car finance claim company, but no official league table exists. Some firms are authorised and regulated, others may not be, and their fees and terms differ.
What to compare
Whether the firm is authorised by the FCA, exactly how it charges, what happens if the claim fails, and whether it passes your details on to third parties.
Neutral advice
No company is recommended here. Decide whether you need one at all, as the direct route costs nothing.
Claims Management Companies: What To Know
A claims management company handles complaints for a fee, usually a share of any money recovered. They must be authorised by the FCA to do this work, which you can verify on the FCA register.
Questions to ask
- Are you authorised by the FCA, and what is your reference?
- How exactly do you charge and is there any upfront cost?
- What happens if my complaint fails?
- Who will see my data?
Read before signing
Do not sign anything until you have read the terms and understood any exit fees.
You might also weigh up the following before choosing:
- How quickly the firm says it will start work
- Whether it will keep you updated in writing
- Any cancellation window and the notice needed
- Whether it outsources your complaint to another business
Fees And Charges You Should Understand
Some firms charge a percentage of any redress, and some add other charges. The terms should be made clear before you agree.
Read the small print
Look for cancellation rights, minimum charges and what happens if you switch to another provider.
Compare with doing it yourself
If you can write a complaint and follow the process, you keep everything you are awarded. Decide what the help is worth to you.
Mis Sold Car Finance Refund: What It Could Look Like
A mis sold car finance refund may be the return of some of the interest or charges you paid, plus interest in some cases. Where a scheme applies, it will set how this is calculated.
Not a full refund of the car
Redress normally compares what you paid with what you should have paid, rather than returning the car's price.
Tax and other effects
Advice on how any payment is treated is available from official sources, so check before assuming anything.
Mis Sold Car Finance Average Payout: Why Averages Mislead
Searches for a mis sold car finance average payout usually hope for a number. Any average hides large differences between agreements, rates, terms and lenders.
What drives the amount
The size of the borrowing, the period, the rate, and how commission was handled.
Treat advertised figures warily
If a company quotes a large sum, ask how it was calculated and whether it reflects real outcomes. Real results can be lower.
Scams And Warning Signs
Whenever a topic attracts money, scammers follow. Take care with unexpected contact about car finance.
- Cold calls, texts or emails offering "guaranteed" compensation
- Requests for upfront fees or bank details too early
- Pressure to sign immediately
- Firms that will not say who they are or whether they are authorised
- Links to lookalike websites
What to do
Do not click links in unexpected messages. Contact organisations using details you have found yourself, and report suspicious activity to Action Fraud.
Checks before you share anything
- Look up the firm on the FCA register
- Search for the company number at Companies House
- Phone back using a number you found yourself
- Ask for the terms in writing and read them
- Never share online banking passwords or one-time codes
Protecting Your Personal Data
Claim forms ask for your name, address, lender and sometimes bank details. Think before you supply them.
Privacy and marketing
Read what consent you are giving. Some forms pass your details to other businesses.
Stay in control
You can ask firms what they hold on you and ask them to stop contacting you. Your rights are explained by the Information Commissioner's Office.
Common Mistakes People Make
A few errors crop up repeatedly.
- Paying upfront for something that could be done free
- Missing the Financial Ombudsman Service time limit
- Not keeping copies of correspondence
- Complaining to the dealer instead of the lender
- Relying on old news
The remedy
Start with your paperwork, keep a log, and use official sources for rules and deadlines.
Myths About Car Finance Claims
Several ideas circulate that may not be accurate.
"Everyone with finance will get paid"
Not necessarily. Eligibility depends on the agreement and on the rules in force.
"I must use a company"
You can complain directly for free.
"It is too late"
Time limits depend on circumstances, so check the current position before assuming you are out of time.
If The Lender Rejects Your Complaint
A rejection is not always the end. The reply should explain why and tell you how to go to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Review the reasons
Check whether the lender addressed your actual complaint. If not, say so when you escalate.
Keep your timetable
Note the date of the final response because time limits often run from it.
Extra steps you may find useful:
- Re-read the final response for the stated reasons
- Note any evidence the lender ignored
- Write a short summary for the Ombudsman
- Contact the Financial Ombudsman Service before the stated deadline
Keeping Records And A Timeline
A simple timeline makes everything easier, whether you write the complaint or later explain it to someone else.
- Note the date you took out the agreement and what you were told.
- Record the date you first complained.
- Save every reply, with dates.
- Keep proof of postage.
- Record any calls and what was said.
Store safely
Keep digital and paper copies somewhere secure.
What If You Have Sold The Car Or Finished The Agreement
You may still be able to complain. Having paid off the agreement or handed back the car does not normally cancel your rights, though time limits could apply.
Gather records
Ask the lender for historic statements if you have lost yours.
Use vehicle records for identity
A quick used car lookup using the registration can confirm the vehicle details if you are unsure about which car is involved.
Records worth requesting from the lender:
- A statement of account covering the whole agreement
- A copy of the original agreement
- The settlement letter, if you paid early
- Details of any refunds already made
Vehicle Checks That Support Your Case
Vehicle records cannot prove mis-selling, but they can add context to what happened.
Mileage and MOT history
If the mileage limit on a PCP mattered to your agreement, the MOT check shows recorded readings at tests. See also how to verify a car's mileage.
Service history
Service records help explain condition at handback. The topic of a car service history check sets out where they come from.
Useful records to collect, all of which are separate from the complaint itself:
- MOT history showing dates and odometer readings
- Service records from the dealer or garage
- Photos of the car at handback
- Correspondence about damage or mileage charges
- The V5C showing keeper details, where you still have it
Official Sources To Rely On
The FCA is the regulator for consumer credit and motor finance, and the Financial Ombudsman Service resolves disputes. GOV.UK carries consumer-rights information.
Where to look
Search the FCA's pages for motor finance and the Ombudsman's pages on car finance complaints.
Independence
This information service is independent. It is not the FCA, the Ombudsman, a lender or a claims business.
A sensible order of sources to use:
- The FCA for rules and announcements on motor finance
- The Financial Ombudsman Service for complaint steps
- GOV.UK for consumer rights and vehicle records
- Citizens Advice for free, independent guidance
- Action Fraud for reporting suspected scams
Frequently Asked Questions
What does mis sold car finance mean?
It means the finance was arranged in a way that did not treat you fairly, for example commission was not disclosed, affordability was not properly checked or terms were unclear. It is about the sale of the agreement rather than the condition of the car. Whether you were mis-sold depends on your own circumstances and on the rules that applied.
Do I need a claims company to make a complaint?
No. You can complain to your lender yourself, free of charge, and if you are not satisfied, take it to the Financial Ombudsman Service, also free for consumers. A company may offer to do the paperwork for a fee, so consider whether that help is worth it to you.
How do I start a car finance complaint?
Find your agreement, identify the lender, and write to its complaints team explaining what went wrong and what you want. Ask for copies of the file, including commission details. Keep proof of sending. The lender should acknowledge it and give a final response within the time set by FCA rules, which you should check.
What is a DCA in car finance?
A discretionary commission arrangement let a broker or dealer influence the interest rate within a range set by the lender, with commission often rising as the rate rose. The FCA later stopped the practice. Older agreements made under such arrangements are the ones that have attracted most attention.
Is there a car finance redress scheme?
A uk car finance redress scheme has been discussed and consulted on by the FCA, with details and timing changing as things developed. Because the position moves, check the FCA website for the latest statement about eligibility, how to take part and any deadlines before relying on anything you read elsewhere.
How much compensation could I get?
Nobody can responsibly give a figure without knowing your agreement. Any payment normally reflects the difference between what you paid and what you should have paid, sometimes with interest. Be sceptical of any advertised average payout, because real outcomes vary widely by agreement, lender and rules in force.
How long do I have to complain?
Time limits exist, including for going to the Financial Ombudsman Service after a lender's final response. They can depend on when you took out the agreement and when you became aware of the problem. Check the current limits on the Ombudsman's website promptly, and do not assume it is too late without checking.
Can I complain if the agreement has ended?
Often yes. Finishing an agreement or returning a car does not usually remove your right to complain, although time limits may apply. Ask the lender for historic statements and copies of your agreement if you no longer have them, and check the official time limits.
Are car finance claim checkers reliable?
They vary. A claim checker is usually a form that gives a rough indication, and some exist mainly to collect contact details for marketing. They cannot see your lender's records. Read the privacy terms, avoid sharing bank details, and treat any result as a prompt to check your paperwork rather than a verdict.
Which is the best car finance claim company?
There is no official ranking and no company is recommended here. If you consider paying for help, check that the firm is authorised by the FCA on its register, understand exactly how it charges and what happens if you are unsuccessful, and compare that with the free direct route.
How can I spot a car finance claims scam?
Be cautious about unexpected calls, texts or emails promising guaranteed compensation, pressure to act immediately, requests for upfront payment or bank details, and firms that will not identify themselves. Do not click links in unsolicited messages. Verify authorisation on the FCA register and report suspected fraud to Action Fraud.
Does a car finance check show if my old agreement was mis-sold?
No. A check on a vehicle usually shows whether finance is currently outstanding on it, not whether an old agreement was sold fairly. Mis-selling is judged by your agreement, what you were told and the rules at the time. Use your paperwork and the lender's records.
What should I check if I am buying a used car with finance?
Run a vehicle history check that includes outstanding finance, compare the VIN and registration with the V5C, and ask the seller for written evidence if a marker appears. The free MOT and tax records do not show finance. Do not pay until the lender confirms the balance is cleared.
Can a written-off car still have finance on it?
Yes. Finance and write-off records are separate. The insurer, owner and lender normally settle the balance after a total loss, but problems can follow if a car is sold without doing so. A full vehicle history check is the usual way to see both markers before you buy.
Official Sources
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Confirm anything that affects your money or legal position with the official service.